The Laidlaw Scholarship

Value of award (per year)

A Scholar stipend (£6,000 total) and access to the Scholars Travel Fund (up to £2,000). 

In addition, Scholars undergo a comprehensive leadership development training, receive an Ethical Leadership Certificate from the University of Oxford, join a global network of Laidlaw Scholars and alumni, and the Laidlaw Programme is listed on their University of St Andrews HEAR degree transcript.

Duration of award

The award will be paid out for the duration of the Laidlaw programme only.

Additional criteria

Available to students who meet the criteria, have two summers remaining at St Andrews at the time of application and can commit to the following schedule and assessments:

• Completing two six-week projects over two summers:
  • In the first summer, Scholars complete a research project on a topic of their choosing under the direction of an academic supervisor (starting within a week before or after the first day of the summer semester)
  • In the second summer, Scholars complete a Leadership-in-Action project (typically overseas, timing to be confirmed).
• Attending all Laidlaw events during term time and throughout the summer one research period (equivalent to 6 full days).
• Completing a six-month ethical leadership masterclass through the Oxford Character Project (1-3 hours per month during term time).
• Attending the annual Laidlaw Scholars Conference (one full weekend during term time).
• Creating: 
  • A research essay, poster, and blog post (summer 1).
  • A leadership development essay (summer 2).
  • A leadership-in-action video (summer 2).
  • A leadership-in-action weekly learning log (summer 2). 
• Being an active member of the Laidlaw community, with frequent engagement on the Laidlaw Scholars Network.  

Please note that unless you are already an international student at St Andrews, all Laidlaw Scholars are expected to go overseas for a minimum of six weeks during the programme (typically during the summer 2 Leadership-in-Action project).

Study abroad students

Students who will be studying abroad or doing a work placement during the Laidlaw programme and/or are incoming study abroad students are not eligible to apply.

Other requirements

In support of your application, you will be asked to answer a series of competency and readiness-based questions and to upload the following supporting documents:

• An outline of your proposed research project. Your proposal should be understandable to a non-specialist audience and address each of the following questions [500 words max]:
  • Why did you pick this research question? Why is it of interest to you?
  • What is the methodology you plan to use during your research? 
  • Would there be travel involved in your research? If so, where and why?
  • What role will your research supervisor play in your research?
  • What do you anticipate being the goal(s)/key achievement(s) of your research?
  • What do you foresee being the impact(s) of this research?
• A letter of reference from your proposed research supervisor.
• University transcript(s), including interim transcripts for any degrees pending.

How to apply

This scholarship is available through the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme application form. You can access this application through the Scholarships and funding catalogue in the Scholarships and Funding section in MySaint.

Scholarship application form guidance

Terms and conditions

Please read the University of St Andrews scholarships terms and conditions (opens in new tab).

Before starting your application, carefully read through the information on this webpage, as well as the main Laidlaw Programme Application page and make sure you fully understand and agree to all Laidlaw Programme components and requirements.

In the application form, you will be asked to agree to these terms and confirm that you have understood your responsibilities and commitments should you be awarded a place on the 2025 to 2026 Laidlaw Scholars Programme.

If you have any questions that are not answered on the website and accompanying application documentation or need further clarification, contact the Laidlaw team on laidlaw@st-andrews.ac.uk.